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15 Facts You Need To Know About Jhené Aiko

Jhené Aiko just released her debut EP 'Sail Out' and over the next 12 months you're going to hear a lot more about her. So be ahead of the game and check out our guide to the things you need to know about Jhené.

1. 1) Jhené Aiko's real name is Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo.

The singer was born on 16th March, 1988 in Los Angeles, California.

2. 2) Jhené's name is pronounced "Juh-nay Ahh-ee-ko".

3. 3) She kicked off her music career contributing vocals to the group B2K.

The singer worked with the group, which featured Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, Raz-B and Omarion, on a number of releases, including a Christmas cover of 'Santa Baby'.

4. 4) Early in her career Jhené was known as "Lil' Fizz's Cousin".

Sony and Epic formerly marketed Jhené as the cousin of Lil' Fizz, who was a member of the group B2K, but they are not actually related. The pair grew up together and were close when they were youngsters.

5. 5) Jhene's older sisters Miyoko and Jamila used to be in an R&B group called Gyrl.

The group toured with Immature and were signed to MCA Records.

6. 6) Jhené was originally signed to Epic but left before the release of her self-titled debut album.

Due to differences with her label, Jhené did not release the album and instead returned to education.

7. 7) She first gained industry buzz with her 'Sailing Soul(s)' mixtape in 2011.

The mixtape featured a series of high profile collaborations, including songs with Kanye West, Miguel and Drake.

8. 8) No I.D signed Jhené to Artium Records imprint through Def Jam in 2012.

Here he is pictured with Nas.

9. 9) Her biggest collaboration was with Big Sean on the song 'Beware'.

The track was her first song to chart in the Billboard Hot 100 and also featured on the rapper's second album 'Hall Of Fame'.

10. 10) Jhené released her first full debut EP 'Sail Out' in November 2013.

The high profile EP includes collaborations with Childish Gambino on 'Bed Peace' and Kendrick Lamar.

11. 11) The video for the EP's song 'Bed Peace' was inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

The infamous be-in for peace protest came in response to the Vietnam War, of which Lennon and Ono were both against. Jhené's artwork depicts her and Childish Gambino in a similar pose to the legendary couple.

12. 12) Jhené has a daughter with O'Ryan.

The child, Namiko Love, was born in 2008.

13. 13) Tupac is her biggest influence.

The singer/rapper has also credited Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and Kid Cudi as big inspirations.

14. 14) She has an alter-ego called J.Hennessy.

The alter-ego first appeared on the EP 'Sail Out' and Jhene has said that the inspiration comes from the fact she has twelve "different personalities in my head" every day.

15. 15) Jhené's debut album 'Souled Out' was released in September 2014.